Moving to Electronic Medical Records - Pros and Cons

Digital go most of the processes in almost all industries – medical industry is following suit. The pursuit of secure and efficient system for managing patient medical records and preparing reports and invoices has ended with the invention of innovative Electronic Medical Records Software (EMRs) !

Going paperless while moving toward accurate & easy record management

Consider a scenario where you no more need a lot of space or a number of staff for maintaining your records. Medical practices, similar to all entities where numerous persons and their interactions need to be perfectly recorded and maintained for future use, have to be properly provided with sufficient resources for their day-to-day activities.

With digitization, it has become possible for practices to go paperless. This streamlines several internal activities and leads to patient satisfaction as well. With the innovative technology, there have been quite a lot of advantages while a few difficulties are also faced.

Benefits of the modern EMR Software

• Decision support is improved: The special features that come with EMR Software ensure that physicians are better-positioned to make information-based decisions. Electronic Medical Records software offer the tools enabling efficient communication with patients, facilitating better understanding on the practitioners’ part.

• Faster workflow is achieved: The routine processes involved in the practice are simplified and made easy by EMR Software which reduces form-filling time and waiting period. With automatic scheduling and patient data automatically preloaded, processes are made easy.

• Increased accuracy in billing & coding: The digital records management system, being fully integrated, makes it easy on the part of billing and coding processes. As patient information is completely transferred to billing system automatically, the front office productivity is considerably increased.

• Interfacing with Labs & Registries made easy: As EMRs are fully integrated with labs and radiology centers, there is seamless interfacing that provides efficient and quick service

• Error-free and accurate Prescription & Billing: E-Prescription and E-Billing provisions in the EMR Software ensure that there is no duplication or redundancy. Errors are almost eliminated.

• Enhanced and real-time Reporting Quality: All relevant and essential information being displayed on screen perfectly, quality of reporting and speed of delivery substantially increase.

Every new technology has its Drawbacks too

• Training needs: Similar to any new technology, EMRs also demand professional and proper training efforts for achieving their potential.

• Customization Requirement: It is not practically possible to have a ‘one design fits all.’ Practices have their own specific needs and unique work flow-EMR needs to be designed and developed to cater to these practice-specific requirements.

• Concern about security: With all the data being conveyed and stored online, there is apprehension about data security among a portion of the medical fraternity.

The complete solution for practice-specific medical record management needs: EMR Software

By availing comprehensive support and training from the vendor and making medical professionals take active part in the development of the EMR in accordance with practice-specific needs, it is possible to implement a complete EMR Software that provides all the essential support for medical facilities.

With governmental compliance needs and patient expectations rising, it is imperative that medical practices have to adopt EMRs for accomplishing efficient care quality and increased productivity.

Electronic Medical Records software- What Do They Mean for You?

More than just digital version of all paper charts found in any provider’s office, Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) assist comprehensively in providing patients’ medical information

So what is all this about EMR Software?

EMRs are computerized medical records containing all critical information about patients such as medical history, treatment methods, and all essential general data. Electronic Medical Records Software is built to exchange relevant medical data among diverse professionals in different fields, namely, specialists, labs, pharmacies, clinics, and emergency facilities.

The way EMR Systems Work

EMR Software manages medical records of patients on cloud-based medical information system. All information are stored and retrieved in remote servers. Hence complete data security is achieved, while easy and timely access to critical information is ensured. Generally, EMR Software lets users to access medical records over the Internet by using different devices such as computers, tablets, and mobile devices.

How EMR Software System Helps the Medical Industry?

EMRs are official health records pertaining to individuals and are shared among various professionals for providing them with the best possible health care. In developed countries, there are legal requirements governmental incentives for standardizing EMRs and ensuring every individual possesses one.

What is included in EMRs?

Digitally managed health records offer various convenient and effective measures to the medical industry. This is made possible by the essential information contained in the EMRS as listed below:

• Patient Demographics
• Medical & treatment history
• Diagnoses & Medications
• Vital signs & routine procedures
• Allergies & Immunization details
• Lab & Radiology Reports
• Billing data & Prescription

Major Advantages of Adopting EMR Software

Implementing EMR Software enables tracking patient information over extended periods of time by various medical service providers. By providing a single electronic chart that depicts all vital health details of an individual, EMR may be accessed at anytime from anywhere. Different facilities and specialists may be able to coordinate better and provide improved care.

Some of the exclusive benefits of EMR software have been listed below:

• Easy & convenient access to health information
• Error-free medical records that are easy to manage and totally reliable
• Identifying patients due for screenings and checkups
• Accuracy in sensitive personal medical information
• Improved clinical efficiency
• Increased productivity
• Enhanced patient care

Patient Participation and EMR Software

EMRs are designed in such a way that individuals and their family members are more active and involved in the overall health care management. By offering educational resources, EMRs empower patients to be more aware and knowledgeable as well. With patients taking an active role in their own health care, their rapport with medical service providers increases considerably.

Enabling all crucial medical processes such as documentation, reporting, and communication, EMR providers facilitate smooth work flow.  Patient data, when entered at the point of service, gets automatically updated on the remote server.

EMR system operates on real time, allowing data to be viewed by authorized professionals such as physicians, paramedics, technicians, therapists, and pharmacists.

How to Find a Doctor Using EMR?

     There are certain common criteria people would normally use while looking for a physician. Location, time required for visit, and whether the physician accepts your insurance are the general factors that are considered. In the modern world with advanced technologies, in addition to basic necessities, patients have started checking which electronic medical record (EMR) is being used by the prospective doctor.

Significance of EMR Software in the Contemporary Healthcare Setting

As with most of the other modern industries, medical industry has adopted digital means to securely and efficiently manage its records. With a considerable advancement in the development and extensive use of health information technology, there’s little wonder in the fact that doctors are normally spending a significant portion of their work hours in using the Electronic Medical Records Software.

Starting with appointment scheduling to e-prescription to reviewing lab and radiology reports, EMRs occupy the center stage in any modern medical practice. Healthcare delivery has been revolutionized, thanks to the innovative EMR System.

How Does EMR Software Help Connect Patients and Doctors?

Today, EMR is the tool used by physicians for making their encounter notes that form the basis for referrals, insurance coverage, and authorizations. By using an EMR Software that is good enough to create proper notes, physicians will be able to fulfill the requirements of patients in all the ways expected. As the EMRs are portable, they offer remote access using digital devices.

Benefits of EMR Software in Effective Data Management

Ø  Multiple Point of Care 

o   It may be required for several patients to meet more than one physician. Some may be required to meet different specialists. In such occasions, having an EMR empowers patients to carry all their relevant medical information in a single record. Physicians are enabled to share their patients’ health data efficiently across practices in an effortless and accurate manner.

Ø  Provider-patient communication

o   EMR Software and its innate features enable patients to directly communicate with their doctors. Lab results and test reports can be received in the digital mode and queries may be raised through emails or texting, using the EMR Software.

Ø  Quick and easy data sharing

o   Patients’ care is managed by several people in general. When medical professionals can efficiently integrate their EMR with any of the connected devices, it enables them to share necessary information through it.

While it may not be the most important criteria when choosing your healthcare facility or physician, it is becoming more and more vital that patients check that their providers have the right combination of skill and technology.

75Health EMR Software enables doctors to ensure their patients’ safety and improve care delivery!

How EMR make Visiting Your Doctor Online Is a Virtual Reality

With the Internet and mobile devices facilitating time-saving enabling performing processes online, health care industry takes a giant step ahead through virtual medical services. Modern health information technology of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Software empowers practices to reach out to patients’ medical information quickly and conveniently. Adoption of the e-visit technology, the online tool that allows communication between the patient and the doctor from anywhere, is the latest transforming technology in the medical industry.

The Innovative Health Information Technology of Virtual Visit

Enabling medical service providers to virtually visit patients, the e-visit technology uses videoconferencing through a digital device such as a personal computer or laptop, or any other Internet-enabled mobile device.

One great benefit of the online health care is the convenience it offers to both providers and patients. Patients, when they are not in a position to personally approach medical practitioners, can get assistance from then using this innovative technology. Physicians, who are stuck at some place for any reason, may provide care to their patients by going online. Electronic Medical Record Software, with its comprehensive patient data, offers providers relevant patient information and allows them to go online for treating patients.

Advantages of Online Visits by Doctors

Ø  Flexibility

o   Instead of having to work for long hours, providers may make use of their mobile devices or computers for seeing their patients online, from the convenience of their office or home

Ø  Reimbursement

o   Diagnosing and treating efforts involved in virtual visit is almost the same as that of a physical visit- physicians can charge the same, while being offered the convenience of operating from their place

Ø  Improved Care

o   For simple and non-urgent cases, a timely virtual visit by the practitioner helps identify the issue quickly and efficiently

Ø  Ease of Use

o   Back-office transactions being mostly automated in the modern practices, it is just necessary to see patients online – health information technologies such as EMR Software identifies insurance plans, provides patients information, and assists the physician in operating efficiently

With the comprehensive patient information contained in the EMR System, doctors can easily access patient medical records and go online for providing their service with the least risk. Equipped with all the relevant and accurate medical data of individuals, physicians can manage their health efficiently through online visits.

By offering quick and reliable access to critical patient information in a secure manner, EMR Software ensures that virtual visits by doctors are safe and effective.

Electronic Medical Record platform: A Modern Way of Storing Patients Records.

Electronic Medical Record platform

For delivering good health care, it is essential to have accurate and comprehensive medical records. Managing such medical records that help health care delivery is one crucial factor in the health care industry. The modern health information technology of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Software System has been found to remove redundancies and duplicity, while digitizing all critical patient records.

Evolution of the Innovative EMR Software

The recent times have witnessed a massive shift from manual processes to automated ones. Computerized transactions have come a long way; digitizing critical patient information being one of the processes. Along with the effective transformation that the entire health care industry has been undergoing, patient medical record maintenance also has changed.

The Modern Way of Managing Medical Records: EMR Software

The Electronic Medical Record System is the most innovative and convenient method of gathering, storing, sharing, and managing sensitive personal health information in an efficient, accurate, and secure manner. The following are a few of the reasons why EMRs are considered the best option in the contemporary medical industry:

• Quick and easy retrieval of patient information: all patient information being stored in a central database, it is possible for authorized users to retrieve the information in text, videos, and images in a quick and convenient way

• EMRs reduce the workload: Pre-defined text and templates make it possible to reuse the frequently used data without having to repeat

• Duplication is eliminated: information stored once holds good for all the facilities and specialists - it can be used by any authenticated user without having to be re-keyed or re-written

• Secure sharing of health information: digital mode and the cloud technology have ensured complete security of patient data – storing as well as sharing of data over a secure mode is enabled by using EMR Software

• Information availability online: Patient information is made available online, thus different medical professionals managing the health of individuals can access the required information using any of their preferred devices and from anywhere
• Standardization of Diagnosis: EMR Software simplifies ICD-10 codes implementation – codes can directly be imported into the EMR, offering to be saved for later reference

• Patient participation: EMRs empower individuals by providing all their relevant medical information

Adopting EMR Software for managing patients’ medical records relieves physicians and practices from the tedious and complex paperwork. More number of patients can be treated and the care quality is greatly improved.

Cloud based EMR and Client Based EMR Software - Which is Better?

There has been an unprecedented growth in Software as a Service (SaaS) during the recent past and this has opened newer avenues for medical practices of all sizes to adopt the innovative health information technology of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Software. Two major types of EMR Software - client-server-based systems and cloud-based systems are being offered, leaving the choice to the practices to adopt the one that best suits their interests.

The Task of Choosing the Right EMR Software

With effective and reliable types of EMRs being offered in different forms, it is up to the clinics and medical organizations to opt the best one that fits their bill in all respects. The system architecture that is appropriate to the specific requirements of practices holds the key in selecting the one for your practice. Care must be exercised in choosing the one that complements your work flow.

Types of EMRs Available

Electronic Medical Record Software helps health care facilities enormously by automating most of the vital processes that need accuracy and speed. Patient records, billing, and administrative tasks are managed in reliable digital form by using this modern medical information technology. The two major classifications of the EMR Software are client/server-based and cloud-based systems, both having their own advantages and disadvantages.

Web-based Vs Client-Server Type EMR Software

Client/Server Systems

This happens to be an on-site model with direct connectivity and close proximity that allows faster data transmission to clients. Faster access proves vital to certain practices where this type is suitable. Modern client/server systems permit remote data access via the Internet, but the data needs to be saved to the on-site servers. While data control is increased, data loss susceptibility also increases. Moreover, potential problems such as data being corrupted, hard drive crashing, or servers getting damaged or stolen might crop up in this type.

Advantages of Client/Server-based EMRs

• Extensive customization possible
• Complete control over data and devices
• No need of Internet connection
• Less expensive

Drawbacks of Client/Server-based EMRs

• High investment
• Lack of security
• Backup and protection responsibility is with user

Cloud-based Systems

Also known as web-based systems or SaaS EMR, or hosted EMR, this type resides on the network of the vendor and can be accessed by the client’s device via the Internet. Access may be on annual or monthly subscription basis.

Advantages of Cloud-based EMR System

• Remote access to patient data with any digital device
• Upgrades and support are on the part of vendor
• Low upfront costs
• Multi-location practices may find it very useful

Drawbacks of Cloud-based EMR System

• Customization chances are few
• Fast and reliable Internet connection is a must
• Data control is mostly with vendor

In an industry that keeps changing rapidly, facility to get updates and essential support are key – this would make the cloud-based EMR Software the natural choice of several practices!

How EMR Proves to be environment-friendly for Doctors

While the innovative Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are intended to increase the accuracy and improve the quality of medical records, they are also are found to have the potential of improving the environmental footprint left by medical industry. EMR Software is not only beneficial to patients and providers, but also to the planet.

Significance of Being an Eco-friendly Doctor

Not just doctors, other medical professionals can also contribute to make the health care industry more eco-friendly, by following certain strategies as discussed below:

• Using sustainable materials
• By conscious technology use
• Reducing material waste and office waste

Why is EMR Software Considered Environment – Friendly?

Electronic Medical Record replace paper-based medical records that consume large storage space. Paper-based records, over a period of time, tend to deteriorate and are less environmentally friendly. In comparison, electronic records allow themselves to be stored in the cloud and require fewer resources.

Health care contributes roughly 7% of carbon dioxide emissions and 8% of all greenhouse gases in the United States. By switching to EMR Software System, the amount of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere can be considerably reduced.

Several things such as inquiries and discussions about test results may be done using the computer, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.70 million tons per annum. This equals to the emission from a staggering 300,000 cars on the roads.

Cutting back on a huge quantity of paper that is used for paper-based medical charts and reports each year is possible by making a shift to EMR. X-rays can now be printed and viewed; digital X-rays replace the earlier film-based ones, adding to conserving more natural resources. This also leads to avoiding use of polluting and toxic chemicals such as silver nitrate and hydroquinone.

Key Factors That Make EMRs Environment-Friendly

• Paper consumption is Reduced:

o   Adopting EMRs reduces the need for paper in the office setting greatly.  Instead of destroying trees for making paper, digital documents can be used and erased without a single tree being cut

• Transportation is Avoided
• By reducing the gasoline consumption for numerable office visits and using the EMR’s services for communication, patients will contribute to reduce carbon dioxide emissions
• Considerable amount of water can be saved by replacing paper-based charts with digital records

With consciousness increasingly growing around environmental care, it is the responsibility of medical professionals to adopt eco-friendly care setting. EMR Software is one way of contributing to this.